Zardari lauds women's role in diplomacy

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the women who had served with distinction in advancing dialogue, understanding and cooperation among nations.

"Their work has strengthened international engagement and supported the peaceful resolution of disputes in difficult and often uncertain circumstances," the president said.

He made these remarks on the occasion of "International Day of Women in Diplomacy", observed annually around the world on June 24.

"Pakistan has a long record of women contributing to diplomacy and public life. Begum RaAna Liaquat Ali Khan represented Pakistan abroad in its early years with dignity and distinction. Begum Shaista Ikramullah, a pioneering diplomat and parliamentarian, was among Pakistan's earliest representatives at the United Nations who played an important role in advancing human rights and amplifying the voice of newly independent nations.

"Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the first woman prime minister in the Muslim world, expanded Pakistan's international engagement and strengthened its place in global forums," the President Secretariat Media Wing, in a statement, quoted the president as saying.